Additive Manufacturing of Rolling Bearing Rings

Elsewhere, new manufacturing processes favor potential innovations in the field of machine elements. Additive manufacturing is a case in point: A process has been developed for selective laser melting of M50NiL steel, which is used, for example, in the high-temperature bearings of the main shaft of aircraft engines. Additive manufacturing of the outer ring allows targeted and efficient cooling of the bearing (Fig.8). By separating cooling and lubrication, the weight, coolant flow and operating temperature of the bearing can be reduced and the efficiency of the engine significantly increased (Ref.11).